Azonto Petroleum Ltd (AZO) Gazelle is due to be developed using a wellhead platform

Africa focused small-cap player Azonto Petroleum is continuing its work on the offshore Ivory Coast Gazelle field, despite difficulties in the market.

A field development plan, submitted by operator and 87% equity holder Vioco, which is 35% owned by Azonto, has been approved by the Ivory Coast's Government and includes a 25-year Exclusive Exploitation Area agreement.  

Gazelle is due to be developed using a wellhead platform, connected to an onshore gas processing plant at Grand Bassam, which could then feed a nearby power station, being developed by CI-Energies.

"Despite the oil price weakness, the economics of our project remain robust and relatively unchanged,"Vioco has continued to mature the Hippo North prospect, 7km from Gazelle, in 70n water depth. Hippo North is now ranking first among others to deliver potential additional gas resources. Vioco and partner Vitol are considering further drilling on Hippo, which could extend the production profile on Gazelle.

Under the aegis of the Ministry of Environment, Urban Safety and Sustainable Development, the National Environment Agency (ANDE) held Tuesday in Grand Bassam, the launch of the public inquiry on the study of environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) of the operating gas field project "Gazelle block Ivory Coast-202 '' in the presence of administrative, political, traditional and customary and heads of Local service. The scope of the project "Gazelle below 202 '' is carried by the Vioco Petroleum Limited Company.

The drilling area is located in the resort of Grand -Bassam off the Atlantic Ocean. It covers 675 km2 to approximately 40 kilometers south -is Abidjan. Kouaho According to Leopold, technical adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Urban Safety and Sustainable Development, following the agreement of the State.

National project  validation  on June 10, 2015. The public inquiry will begin May 26, 2015 and will end on June 8 The sub-prefect, Mrs. Gomon born Souaré Fatogoma emphasized constructive comments related to the national interest. According to her, this is to comment with arguments and especially highlighting the country's interests. "We need to comment objectively and honestly. I hope to count on you," she recommended to the people.